Peru

Peru is a city in, and the county seat of, Miami County, Indiana, United States. The population was 11,417 at the 2010 census, making it the most populous city in Miami County. Peru is located along the Wabash River, which divides the city in two.Residents usually pronounce the name of Peru like the name of the South American nation of Peru is commonly pronounced in American English. Elderly Hoosiers commonly use the archaic pronunciation of .HistoryPeru was founded in 1834 by William N. Hood. Frances Slocum was reunited with members of her family near Peru in 1837, after nearly sixty years of captivity among Native Americans.Early in the 20th century, Peru was home to a pioneering automobile maker, Model Automobile Company; like many other early automobile manufacturers, Model did not survive.In 1913 Peru, Indiana suffered a massive flood, the worst of its time. Between March 24 and March 27, of rain fell on Peru, and sent water from the Wabash and Mississinewa rivers rushing down its streets at speeds of, destroying everything in its path. Before the flood of 1913, Peru was a busy town, full of activity, jobs, with its 15,000 inhabitants, 100 factories, a trolley service, railroads, a new hospital (Duke's), circus (which employed 1000 people on the road), and a new concrete bridge (largest of its kind in the world at the time). The total loss for Peru was estimated at $3,000,000 (1913 figures). Many people died, as well as many of the circus animals.